Ex-rebel surrenders to gov’t in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19, 2022): Ex-rebel surrenders to gov’t in Aurora (By Zorayda Tecson)

NEW BEGINNING. A former member of a New People's Army guerilla front surrendered and yielded his firearm to government troops in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday (Jan. 17, 2022). The Northern Luzon Command said on Wednesday the surrendered firearm, along with a magazine and ammunition, is now at the headquarters of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion in Baler, Aurora. (Photo courtesy of Nolcom)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – A former member of the dismantled communist guerilla front Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the New People's Army (NPA) has surrendered and yielded his firearm and ammunition to government troops in Dipaculao, Aurora.

In a statement on Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, acting commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), said Berboy Calara Aviendo surrendered to Joint Task Force Kaugnay’s 91st Infantry Battalion on Monday night and yielded his firearm the following day in Barangay Calaocan.

Costelo said the firearm surrendered was an M14 rifle, along with a magazine for M14, and nine rounds of ammunition, which are now at the 91IB headquarters in Baler, Aurora.

He commended Aviendo for his decision to return to the fold of the law and his willingness to start life anew and help the military further weaken the arms capability of the communist terrorists by surrendering his firearm.

“There is one less firearm to be used by the remnants of these communist terrorist groups. This manifests the complete abhorrence of Aviendo to the culture of violence that the communist terrorist group has sown on to his mind and of his former comrades,” Costelo said.

He encouraged the remaining rebels in the area to also return to the fold of law.

“Nolcom has its doors open for the former comrades of Aviendo who wish to return to the fold of the law and start anew with their families. With our troops’ successive accomplishments, we will further heighten our offensives to pound down the remnants of communist insurgency in Northern and Central Luzon,” he added.

A total of 130 communist terrorist group members and supporters in Northern and Central Luzon have surrendered to authorities from Dec. 1, 2021 to Jan. 13, 2022. A total of 17 firearms and three improvised explosive devices were also recovered or surrendered during the same period.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

In July last year, the National Democratic Front has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1165882